Stuart Turner
Story Update
Stuart Turner, a janitorial custodian with cerebral palsy at the Redstone Arsenal Sparkman Center, exemplifies dedication and excellence in his role to this day, maintaining a high standard of appearance and quality of work. Stuart's determination and compassion extend beyond the workplace, as he actively contributes to community service and advocacy efforts, earning him prestigious awards and recognition for his outstanding achievements.
The Full Story
Stuart Turner excels in every way and has always set an exceptional example for others to follow within the service branch (Phoenix Service) of the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation in Alabama. In his job as janitorial custodian at the Redstone Arsenal Sparkman Center, Stuart demonstrates a serious work ethic, positive attitude, and excellent attendance. He wears his Phoenix Service uniform with tremendous pride, resulting in a high standard of appearance that is simply beyond reproach.
The Sparkman Center area is one of the most challenging assignments for JWOD workers at the Huntsville Rehabilitation Center, but Stuart has met that challenge with tremendous success. He consistently maintains a quality control score well above the 95 percent level expected by the Government customer. He is always quick to volunteer to fill in wherever he is needed when other employees are absent, and the high quality of his work has generated several letters of appreciation to the nonprofit agency from Government customers who appreciate all he does for them.
Stuart’s passionate will to overcome whatever difficulties life presents and his great compassion for all people have enabled him to succeed despite times of rejection, ridicule, and isolation. He was born with cerebral palsy and has been challenged on many levels—physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Initially, he found a job delivering mail in a municipal building. However, his supervisor never understood his employees with special needs and rather than coaching Stuart, instead urged him to try another job. It was at that point Stuart found the Huntsville Foundation where he received the training and encouragement he needed to succeed at his work and ultimately distinguish himself as an outstanding employee.
Furthermore, Stuart’s accomplishments and generosity extend beyond the workplace. He has delivered Meals on Wheels, worked for Care and Assurance Services for the Aging (CASA), carried out home repairs for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, he spoke on behalf of Vocational Rehabilitation and Phoenix Service before Alabama state legislators at a legislative forum held at Huntsville City Hall and was recently selected as the employee representative for a Federal Government effort to advocate for Government support of the JWOD Program.
Stuart has won several prestigious accolades including the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation William Whatley Significant Achievement Award in 2003 and the Alabama Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Achievement Award in 2004. These local and state awards recognize the individual who has best exhibited significant mental, physical, or emotional barriers; demonstrating a spirit of cooperation, initiative, and responsibility; and exhibiting characteristics of a positive role model for others. Stuart has all of these characteristics and is an outstanding example of an individual who has thrived through his involvement in the JWOD Program.
